(c) City of Montereau
On 14 and 15 February 2026, Montereau-Fault-Yonne will be reliving one of the most significant episodes of the French Campaign: Napoleon I's victory on 18 February 1814. Two centuries later, the town is passionately looking back at that decisive moment when its destiny intersected with that of France and Europe.
Organised by the Town Council of Montereau, the event promises to be a major historical and cultural rendezvous, combining heritage, emotion and live entertainment.
1814: Montereau, a decisive victory in the French Campaign
In the depths of winter in 1814, faced with a European coalition, Napoleon led a series of heroic battles to defend the country's borders. At Montereau, a strategic point on the road to Paris, he fought a decisive battle against the Austro-Württemberg armies.
Leading young conscripts - the famous Marie-Louise -He himself directed the cannon and repulsed the enemy with a heroic cavalry charge on the town's bridges. This victory, one of the Emperor's last before his first abdication, remains a symbol of his military genius and determination in the face of adversity.
Even today, the equestrian statue of Napoleon, unveiled in 1867 by Charles-Pierre-Victor Pajol, son of General Pajol, the hero of the battle, is a reminder of this glorious page in Montereau's national and European memory.
A weekend at the pace of the First Empire
To commemorate this heritage, Montereau will be living to the rhythm of the First Empire throughout the weekend of 14 and 15 February. Hundreds of re-enactors from all over Europe will be bringing uniforms, bivouacs and battles to life in an immersive and festive atmosphere:
- Reconstructions of the Battle of Montereau: at 5.15pm on Saturday and 1.30pm on Sunday, 650 soldiers in period costume take part in a spectacular battle in the Parc des Noues, with commentary by historian François Houdecek.
- Exceptional concert by the Republican Guard, Saturday 14 February at 8.30pm at the Majestic - Scène de Montereau: an exceptional musical evening celebrating French excellence and tradition.
- Equestrian shows, First Empire dances, skirmishes and guided historical tours will immerse the public in the atmosphere of an era when history was lived in uniform.
- Empire“ parade, Saturday from 2pm, with commemorations and wreath-laying at the foot of the statue of Napoleon, before the triumphant return of the troops to the Parc des Noues.
The Parc des Noues will become the beating heart of the festival, with reconstructed encampments, staff tents, craftsmen and trades from days gone by. A period tavern will be serving mulled wine and traditional soup, in a friendly, historic atmosphere.
A living heritage for all
Families and young visitors will be able to take part in a wide range of activities, including Napoleonic hat-making workshops, drumming lessons, rifle shooting, face painting and pony rides.
A “Craftsmen & Merchants” exhibition will also highlight the skills and trades of the First Empire, while historical games will invite the curious to discover military and civilian life in the early XIXᵉ century.
Through this event, Montereau is reaffirming its commitment to living memory and the transmission of heritage. As a member of the Fédération Européenne des Cités Napoléoniennes (FECN), the town is actively involved in promoting this shared imperial heritage, by encouraging exchanges between areas linked to the Napoleonic epic on a European scale.
Practical information
Event title The victory at Montereau
Date : Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026
Location: : Parc des Noues and Montereau-Fault-Yonne town centre (France)
🎟️ Free admission (except for the concert by the Garde républicaine)
🚗 Free car parks throughout the city
🚆 Access: line R from Paris or TER Bourgogne-Franche-ComtéFor further information: montereau77.fr and facebook.com/villedemontereau